Harry Potter Promise NR.4

Chapter 16
Wow, over 300 reviews! I’m so happy you all like it, and thank you so much for telling me!

So, it only took 15 chapters, but the summer is finally over. The story will pick up a bit from here.

Disclaimer: don’t own

August thirty first saw a very boisterous group of people celebrating the last day of summer vacation. They were all once more gathered on the Quidditch pitch at McGonagall Castle. Bill and Charlie were pleased to be let in on the secret the rest of their family had kept for weeks, and offered Sirius their heartfelt congratulations on his freedom.

It ended in the early evening, as most of the Weasleys still needed to pack.

The next morning, Harry was up early making sure all his books were in his new trunk, and that he had everything he would need.

Minerva gave him a hug before she stepped through the Floo to see to last minute details before the students arrived that evening. Sirius and Remus would take Harry to Kings Cross.

They arrived early, and Harry managed to pick out a compartment for his friends, before he returned to the platform to spend a little more time with his godfather and the man he was quickly coming to see as a pseudo uncle. From what he could tell from the stories, Remus had been a lot like Hermione in school – he was smart and studious, but also the voice of reason with his friends. That didn’t mean the werewolf didn’t have a mischievous side though. In fact, his studious nature just meant that he didn’t get caught nearly as often.

Amelia and Susan were the first to join them, Amelia greeting Sirius with a peck on the lips and a blush, as she realized that both their charges – and Remus – were watching them with knowing smirks. They had officially gotten together at the party the day before, and Amelia couldn’t be happier. Time had aged both of them, and Amelia found herself wanting to have a family, while Sirius was no longer the confirmed bachelor he had been at twenty-one.

She helped Susan deposit her trunk in the compartment Harry had chosen, before they returned to the platform as well.

Hermione and Neville arrived almost at the same time, and both dropped off their luggage before Hermione introduced her parents to her friends. The Grangers were a cheery couple, amazed at the magical world as a whole. They were happy to meet the friends their daughter had spoken so much about over the last few years, and were pleased that she seemed to be fitting in well.

When there were five minutes until the train was to leave, Sirius told them they should all board, and they would send the Weasleys in their direction.

The Weasleys arrived less than two minutes before the train was to depart, running through the barrier dragging their trunks behind them. Huffing and puffing, they made their way onto the train, and quickly found the rest of the group. Fred and George said goodbye and headed off to search for Lee, while Ron and Ginny settled down for the ride.

Their conversation was interrupted periodically by various people stopping by to say hello. It confused Harry a bit, as he didn’t really remember being this popular before, but Hermione just rolled her eyes when he voiced that thought.

“Honestly, Harry, don’t you see it? Your life has been splashed all over the Prophet, the last few days. Sirius has been freed, and publicly claimed you as his charge. That means that he’s most likely made you his heir as well. You’re now the heir of two Ancient and Noble Houses, which is rather unusual, though not unheard of. Plus, you’ve grown a lot over the summer. You’re taller, and have more muscle, and without your glasses, you’re… well, you’re quite good looking.” Hermione blushed a little, and Ron looked almost as uncomfortable as Harry. “There’s also the fact that your other guardian is McGonagall. People may be sucking up to you in order to get on good terms with her.”

Harry just stared. “Blimey, people are mental,” he groaned, closing his eyes and shaking his head.

The door opened again, and Harry’s eyes snapped open, intending on giving a piece of his mind to whomever thought they could flatter their way into a friendship.

He was pleasantly surprised when the intruder was discovered to be Cedric Diggory. The older boy grinned ruefully, and gave a small wave. “I just wanted to say hi, Harry. And to congratulate you on your godfather’s release. My dad says it caused quite the stir in the Ministry.”

Harry nodded, grinning. “Thanks, Cedric,” he replied.

Cedric made small talk for a few more minutes, before he left to return to his own friends.

The customary visit from Malfoy couldn’t be skipped, of course. The young Malfoy heir seemed quite put out to have the Black lordship snatched away from him, and made his displeasure known with a bit of pouting, some threats about what his father would do, and, most intriguing, a hint of something occurring at Hogwarts that year.

When the burr in their side had disappeared, Ron turned to look at the rest. “What do you suppose that was about?” he asked.

Harry shrugged. “Aunt Minerva mentioned something,” he admitted. “She didn’t tell me what it was, and she made me swear not to say anything, but she told me there was going to be some sort of big contest or something this year.”

They all speculated as to what it could be, and the remaining trip passed by quickly.

The moment Harry saw Hogwarts again, he felt the welcome rush of magic race across his skin. It was like the castle was welcoming him home. Which it might be, he thought with a start as he followed his friends out of the carriage. Now that he knew he was Gryffindor’s heir, that comforting buzz made a little more sense.

He had sworn Ginny to secrecy, and he hadn’t told anyone else yet. He wanted to tell his friends, but he wasn’t sure how they’d react.

The sorting took forever, but Harry dutifully clapped every time they received a new Gryffindor, making a mental note of their names and faces, so that he could remember them later, and soon enough, Dumbledore was telling them all to “Tuck in!”

Conversation increased as the food appeared, and Harry found himself telling Seamus and Dean about his summer – an abridged version, of course – before he managed to steer the conversation elsewhere. Quidditch was safe enough, and the Weasleys dominated here, talking about the matches they had played on McGonagall’s regulation sized pitch, which had all the Gryffindors laughing. Clearly, their head of house was obsessed – but then, they all knew that. She coveted the Quidditch Cup almost as much as Oliver Wood had.

The rest of the group began to share their summers, and before they knew it, the meal was over, and Harry was feeling uncomfortably tired.

Dumbledore stood up once more, spreading his arms wide. “Welcome back, to another year at Hogwarts! Now that you are all fed and watered –”

“Why do I suddenly feel like a mule?” Harry muttered to Ginny, causing her to try and stifle her burst of laughter. Many people turned to look at them, and from the head table, McGonagall gave them a stern look, but someone who knew her would see the upturn of her lips.

“–I have a few start of term announcements to make,” Dumbledore continued over the interruption. “First of all, I would like to welcome Alastor Moody to our teaching staff. Professor Moody is a decorated Auror, and we are lucky to have him with us.”

Everyone clapped as the grizzled man stood up. Harry’s first thought was that he wouldn’t be winning any beauty pageants any time soon. One eye was heavily scarred, while the second appeared to be bright blue and whirling in every direction. He leaned heavily on the table, and sat back down almost immediately. Harry heard Ron talk about how his dad had had to help Moody out of a jam recently – something about attacking dustbins, and needing to obliviate a few muggles.

“My next announcement!” Dumbledore called their attention back to him. “It is with sadness that I regrettably inform you that the Quidditch cup will not be taking place this year.” A great shout rose out, but the headmaster just spoke over them. “Instead, Hogwarts will play host to an historic event. It is with great pleasure that I inform you that the Triwizard Tournament has been resurrected.”

“You’re joking!” Fred Weasley shouted, drawing a laugh from the rest of the hall.

Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled. “I assure you, Mr. Weasley, I am quite serious. For those of you who do not know, the Triwizard Tournament was once a great contest that took place every few years, bringing three separate magical schools together to compete for glory and honor. I believe it was abandoned because of the high death toll, but for the last four years, our Ministry has been working with the Norwegian and French Ministries, and the result is what you will experience this year. Next month, Beaubaxton’s Academy and Durmstrang Institute will be arriving with a pool of candidates. I expect that you will treat them with kindness and courtesy, as expected of the host school and Hogwarts students.” Dumbledore looked around the room, as if expressing upon them the seriousness of his request. His next statement drew more than one angry shout, but he remained firm. “Due to the dangers the champions will experience, all three Ministries have consented to an age limit. Therefore, no one under the age of seventeen will be allowed to enter their name. We will be making sure this rule is upheld.” He waited for the grumbling to die out, before he spoke again. “I implore you all to think seriously before choosing to enter. Your name being chosen constitutes a binding agreement, and cannot be undone. The danger is quite real, so please, do not put your name in on a whim. And now,” he clapped his hands cheerfully, “You must all be tired, so off to bed. Off you trot!”

“Seriously,” Harry grumbled as he stood up, subconsciously offering his hand to Ginny so that she could use him to clear the bench. “Off you trot? Fed and watered? I’m feeling more and more like a horse.”

Ginny giggled again, and the two led the rest of their friends upstairs, falling in with Katie Bell and a boy Harry didn’t really know well, named Jason, the two fifth year Gryffindor Prefects, who were leading the new first years up to the common room.

They waved good night to Susan as they left the Great Hall, and were now left with the daunting task of traversing the many staircases and hallways between them and Gryffindor tower.

Harry smiled and answered a hesitant question from a shy first year boy who didn’t seem to want to speak loudly enough for the whole group to hear, and soon enough, they were giving the Fat Lady the password.

Ginny, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville headed over to the couches to talk for a bit, and Ginny couldn’t help but smile at the boy she just realized she was still holding hands with. She blushed, but didn’t let go. “You’re pretty good with the younger years,” she observed.

Harry shrugged. “I remember what my first year was like,” he admitted. “I had no idea where anything was, but I was afraid to ask any of the upper classes. If I can help, I should, right?”

Ginny beamed, and Hermione looked equally happy. Ron looked nonplussed, and Neville looked thoughtful. “Maybe we can do something to help them settle in,” he offered hesitantly. The summer had definitely seen him coming into his own, but he was still unsure sometimes, and wasn’t certain how he would fit in once back at school.

Harry’s eyes lit up. “That’s a great idea, Nev,” he smiled. “We could offer to show them to their classes, and maybe help with homework. Maybe we could see about getting a study group together.”

Hermione nodded eagerly. “We should open it up to all the houses, though, Harry,” she added, eyes gleaming. “Susan would help us out, and I think you could probably get Cedric to as well. I don’t know anyone in Ravenclaw well enough, though Parvarti may be willing to talk to her sister. I’m not sure about Slytherin either.”

Harry thought it over. “Cedric mentioned he’s friendly with Cho Chang, from Ravenclaw, so he could probably talk with her. As for Slytherin… well, Blaise and Daphne have always been relatively neutral. They might be willing to help, especially if it will get them something as well.”

Hermione nodded. “They’re both in Arithmancy, and as they’re the only Slytherins there, we could probably talk to them then.” Ron looked less than pleased to have Slytherin involved, but wisely held his tongue.

Ginny added, “I’ll talk to Luna Lovegood. She’s a Ravenclaw in my year. She’s a bit odd, but she’s nice. Harry, you should talk with Professor McGonagall about this, see if we can get it officially sanctioned.”

Harry nodded, and they decided to bring it up with the professor after their first Transfiguration class, and they would talk with the other students when they could.

That act done, it was time for bed.

XXX

That night, Harry had a rather strange dream. Wormtail was there, as was an unknown man. They were talking about some contest, and he heard his name mentioned. The dream was a bit fuzzy around the edges though, so he didn’t quite catch everything.

When he woke up, his head ached, but not nearly as bad as he had had before. He pushed the dream to the back of his mind, and got ready for his first day of school.

He woke Neville and Ron, and the three of them met Hermione and Ginny in the common room, before going down for breakfast.

McGonagall handed out schedules when they were nearly finished, and stopped by Harry’s place as she gave him his. “I have arranged for you to take the third year Arithmancy and Ancient Runes end of year exams this afternoon, as you have no classes, so please report to my office after Defense Against the Dark Arts.”

Harry nodded and looked over his schedule. He noted with a grin that she had already added Arithmancy and Ancient Runes to it, even though he hadn’t taken the exams yet. That was one thing he really did like about her; she had an unwavering belief in him.

Schedule for Harry James Potter:

Monday:

0900-1050: Potions

1100-1150: Charms

1300-1450: Herbology

2300-0100: Astronomy

Tuesday:

1000-1150: Transfiguration

1300-1350: History of Magic

1400-1550: Defense Against the Dark Arts

Wednesday:

0900-1050: Charms

1100-1150: Arithmancy

1300-1450: Herbology

1500-1650: Care of Magical Creatures

Thursday:

0900-1050: Potions

1100-1150: Arithmancy

1300-1350: Ancient Runes

1400-1450: History of Magic

1500-1650: Transfiguration

Friday:

0900-1050: Ancient Runes

1300-1450: Defense against the Dark Arts

Ron read through his schedule, pleased that he had a free period that morning. Harry would be taking one as well, since he hadn’t gotten into Ancient Runes yet. However, he would not have to go to Divination like Ron would in a couple of hours.

“Man, look at this, Potions first thing on Monday mornings! And Divination first for me today, why do they have to do this to us?”

Harry grimaced, looking up at the head table, where Snape was scowling into his breakfast. “I don’t know, mate, but if you ask them, you might also want to find out why they keep putting us together with Slytherin as well. That’s just asking for something to happen.”

Ginny giggled. Relations between Gryffindor and Slytherin were definitely tense, though anyone with half a brain would understand that Harry’s role was mostly in retaliation, as Malfoy was usually the one to start things. Unfortunately, Snape did not seem to possess half a brain.

Hermione picked up her bag and waved goodbye to the rest of them, before she headed up to grab her Ancient Runes book for class. Neville glanced over at the Hufflepuff table, before blushing and telling them he’d catch up with them later.

Harry smiled as he saw his friend approach Susan, and the two struck up a conversation on their way out of the hall. He then looked down the Gryffindor table, and noted that most of the first years were huddled towards the end, looking around nervously and studying their schedules. He gestured to Ron and Ginny, before he stood up and walked over to them. “Hey guys, what’s your first subject?”

Most of them jumped and squeaked as he addressed them, but the boy who had asked him a question on their way up to the tower the night before, Evan Harrison, replied shakily, “Transfiguration.”

Harry nodded, smiling. “Do you need to go get your books before class?” On their affirmative nod, he gestured for them to stand up. “Come on, we’ll help you find your way. None of us have class this period, so don’t worry about it. I know it took me and Ron a week to be able to find our way to the Great Hall without getting lost.” That drew a few chuckles as the large group made their way out of the hall.

They were watched by several people, most of whom were pleased with the initiative the young man was making. Snape just kept glowering, but Dumbledore’s eyes had a definite twinkle, and Minerva just looked proud.

Harry and Ginny answered most of the questions the first years had, while Ron threw in a comment now and then, mostly about what students did for fun in their free time.

Harry also mentioned the study group they were thinking about starting, which was met with approval by the whole group. When he dropped them off at the Transfiguration classroom, he blushed at the smile his guardian bestowed on him. “Thank you for your initiative, Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley, Mr. Weasley,” she said, before they left the room.

The three of them headed back up to the tower, where Ginny spent the next forty five minutes watching Harry get pounded at chess by Ron, before her brother had to head off to Divination, and she to Transfiguration.

Harry spent the rest of the morning reading up on the two subjects he was hoping to get into.

Hermione had brought back the work he had missed for the first class, entering the common room shortly after Ron and Ginny left, and went over it with him during their free period before lunch. They both were pleased when he seemed to understand it with no problems.

XXX

Defense Against the Dark Arts was interesting, to say the least. Moody seemed quite a bit off his rocker, in Harry’s opinion, though he couldn’t dispute the man’s record. The worst part was when he showed them the three Unforgivable curses. Harry felt sick at seeing the spider keel over with a flash of green light, but his eyes were more drawn towards Neville as Moody used the Cruciatus curse. He could see the pain and anguish in the boy’s gaze, and was dragging his friend out of the room as soon as class was over, with a look that stopped Hermione and Ron from following. Hermione just nodded, silently telling him they’d see them back in the common room later, and she’d bring his bag.

Harry led Neville towards the lavatory, where he employed his newly learned skills to lock the door to prevent anyone from entering.

Once there, he just settled back and waited. It only took a few minutes before Neville broke down, tears streaming down as he once more heard his worst nightmares. As he had only been a year old, he didn’t really think what he saw in his dreams was true, but it was still horrible.

Harry offered himself up for an embrace, and just held on as Neville cried himself dry. When he was calmer, Harry stepped back and leaned against the wall. He contemplated the sinks as he commented offhandedly, “You know, I have this dream sometimes, where I can hear Voldemort laughing. He’s telling my mum to step aside, but she refuses, so there’s this flash of green light, and then everything goes black. I’ve had variations of this dream since before I knew about magic, so I think it’s my memories of that night.” He looked over at Neville, who was listening intently. “My point is, Neville, we may have been young, but that doesn’t mean we don’t remember. You were there when your parents were tortured, right?”

Neville nodded, sniffling. “Gran always said it was just my memory filling in gaps, and it wasn’t real. But it was, wasn’t it?”

Harry reached out to pat his shoulder. “We’ve seen true horrors others couldn’t even dream about. Why do you think the Dementors affect me so much? But we don’t have to let it rule us, Nev. Our future is all ours. We owe it to our parents to be the best we can be, and to work as hard as we can, so that we don’t end up the same way. I realize that sounds harsh, but Sirius and I had a lot of really good talks this summer. He told me that my parents wouldn’t want to see me before they had had a chance to look down on their grandchildren and great grandchildren, so I better work hard to avoid joining them too early.”

Neville chuckled weakly, but nodded again, this time more firmly. “You’re right,” he said. “I want my parents to be proud of me, but really, they’re not here. I shouldn’t be trying to please them. I shouldn’t keep dwelling on it, and how I’m not like my dad. I want to keep up the dueling practice Sirius and Remus were teaching us. Could we continue?”

Harry grinned his agreement, and the two of them left the loo, Harry walking with Neville until they separated, so that Harry could go take the tests for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, and Neville continued on to the common room.

XXX

Harry said goodbye to Neville and made his way to McGonagall’s office nervously, where he was met by Professor Vector, and his guardian. Minerva informed him that Professor Babbling would join them in an hour, when he would hopefully be finished with the Arithmancy test, and able to take the Ancient Runes one.

Harry nodded and sat down at the desk set up for him, picking up the quill and getting started.

He wasn’t sure what it meant that he thought the test was too easy, but he hoped it was a good thing.

When Professor Babbling arrived, Professor Vector took his completed exam and settled in to grade it while he took the Ancient Runes test.

He finished in just under an hour, and was asked to stay for a few minutes so that he could get the results immediately.

Professor Vector spoke with him first, giving him the good news. “I’ll admit to some surprise, Mr. Potter,” she said with a smile, “I was a little skeptical when Minerva asked me to consider this, but to be honest, I’m disappointed you didn’t start taking Arithmancy last year! Your score on the exam was beaten out only by Hermione Granger, so congratulations. May I ask what prompted your decision to change electives?”

Harry shrugged and grimaced, though he replied readily enough. “Honestly, when I was signing up for electives, I really didn’t know what I wanted, so I just chose the same things as my friend Ron. It’s something that could perhaps be remedied in the future. I know when you’re twelve, you don’t know what you want to do when you grow up, but if someone had just talked with me about what I liked and disliked, I might have made different choices. I always liked maths at school, and Arithmancy is a lot like it. I’ve also become rather interested in wards, so Ancient Runes was quite interesting to learn, though I didn’t really know any of this a couple years ago.” He grinned ruefully. “And I really didn’t fancy sitting through another two years of Trelawney predicting my death in increasingly gruesome ways.”

Professor’s Vector and Babbling both laughed, though Minerva looked like she didn’t know whether to laugh or be disapproving.

Professor Babbling finished grading, and also praised Harry for his prowess, telling him he had received an easy O on the exam, definitely one of the top five for the class.

Both professors left, and Minerva wasted no more time in giving Harry a congratulatory hug. “I’m so proud of you, Harry,” she told him, stepping back and giving him a smile.

Harry blushed and ducked his head, but he looked pleased. Minerva nodded towards the door, suggesting that they head on down to dinner, and as they walked, she informed him that Dumbledore had asked to speak with him after the evening meal.

“Be careful, Harry,” she warned him. “Albus is neither unintelligent nor opaque, though he can be a bit thick at times. Just remember that he cannot force you to answer anything that isn’t school related. He’s just your headmaster, nothing more.”

Harry nodded, and they broke apart as they entered the Great Hall, Minerva heading to the head table, and Harry to join his friends.

Hermione looked eager to hear how he did, but Harry made a point to sit down first and fill his plate.

Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore “Well?” She demanded. “How did you do?”

Harry looked up, grinning. “I passed, Hermione.”

She squealed. “Oh, I just knew you would! That is so wonderful, Harry, congratulations!”

Harry nodded, blushing a little. “Thanks,” he replied, smiling as the rest of them passed on their own congratulations, though without the squealing.

Ginny saw his shifty eyes, and her own narrowed. “How well did you do, Potter?” she asked lowly.

Harry flinched, and looked down. “Professor Vector said the only one who beat my score was Hermione,” he admitted, causing the bushy-haired girl to let out another squeal, louder this time, which drew the attention of several people towards them. Harry continued, “and Professor Babbling said I got an ‘easy O’.”

Ginny grinned and threw her arms around Harry, before she sat back, suddenly aware that they were surrounded by people.

In the awkward silence that followed, they all decided to start on their meals.

It was a few minutes later that Harry informed them of his meeting with Dumbledore.

Ginny looked at him nervously while Hermione speculated as to what it could be about.

Harry grimaced. “I think he wants to know why I wasn’t a good boy and just stayed with my relatives this summer.”

Hermione stopped talking and looked at him, slightly reprovingly. “Harry,” she admonished, but Harry just shook his head.

“No, Hermione, after everything I’ve learned this summer, I think that’s about right on the nose.” She still looked skeptical, so Harry sighed. “I’ll tell you a little more when I get back, all right?”

She nodded, and Harry turned to Ron. Ron just shrugged. “I believe you, mate. Some things that have been happening around here don’t really add up, you know?”

Harry nodded his agreement, and finished his supper, heading off towards the headmaster’s office with a heavy weight in his stomach.

He reached the gargoyle statue, and barely had time to remember that he didn’t know the password, before the stone figure was moving aside.

Harry shrugged and stepped onto the moving staircase. He knocked on the door before entering, and was greeted by a slightly shocked Dumbledore, before he hid his surprise behind the twinkling eyes.

Harry filed that away to think on later, as he courteously greeted the headmaster. “You wanted to see me, professor?” he asked.

Dumbledore smiled. “Yes, my boy, thank you for coming. Lemon drop?”

Harry shook his head as he took the offered seat. Dumbledore leaned forward in his seat slightly. “I was very sorry to hear about your uncle, Harry. I hope he will not be judged too severely.”

Harry’s eyes narrowed, as he replied, his voice hard as diamonds. “Considering all the abuse he put me through, not to mention how they were stealing my money for years, I don’t think he can be judged severely enough. Professor.”

Dumbledore’s eyes widened slightly, as he tried to diffuse the situation, even as he felt some confusion as to what Harry had alluded to. He knew that things hadn’t been ideal, but his relatives had kept him safe for many years. “Well, I am sorry to hear that. I only wish you had come to me, so that I could have helped you.”

Harry shrugged, revealing nothing. The silence stretched on, until Dumbledore broke it. “I don’t believe he could be charged with theft, Harry. After all, they were given a stipend for your care.”

Harry’s eyes flashed as he met the headmaster’s gaze. “As I never saw a pence of that money, I think he could be, headmaster.”

There was a slight pressure in Harry’s mind, causing him to wince.